AN organ donor has thrown her support behind a government plan to make organ donation an opt-out process.

Bryony Baynes, headteacher of Kempsey Primary School, donated a kidney to her husband Matthew two years ago and has described the plan by Theresa May as a "brilliant idea."

The proposals would see changes to the current system whereby those wishing to donate their organs have to opt in, which requires registration on a scheme run by NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT).

A Government consultation on "presumed consent" will look at whether there should be a reversal of the rules in which people would be automatically entered on to the donor register - unless they choose to opt out.

Mrs Baynes said: "It is a brilliant idea. I think the problem with an opt-in system, is that it is too easy for people not to do it.

"That is not to say that people do not want to do it, but they have to register. I think an opt-out system would increase the number of organ donors substantially.

"My husband has been given extra years he would never have had without a new organ, you can live a perfectly healthy life with one kidney.

"There are hundreds of people who need an organ donor when you go into hospital, so you can reduce the drain on the NHS as well as giving someone a new lease of life."

Mrs May told the Conservative Party conference on Wednesday that 500 people died last year because a suitable donor organ was not available.

"Our ability to help people who need transplants is limited by the number of organ donors that come forward," the Prime Minister said.

"That is why last year 500 people died because a suitable organ was not available. And there are 6,500 on the transplant list today.

"So to address this challenge that affects all communities in our country, we will change that system. Shifting the balance of presumption in favour of organ donation."

Dr Gavin Nicol, clinical lead on organ donation at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust said: "Prime Minister Theresa May announced plans to introduce an opt-out system for organ donation in her speech at the Conservative Party conference.

An opt-out system would deem consent for organ donation unless people have made a refusal decision.

"This type of system is now in effect in Wales. Scotland have also confirmed plans to bring forward legislation during this Parliament.

"I hope that this announcement will drive a national conversation about organ donation.

"Whatever legislation is in place, telling your family of your organ donation decision lets them know what you want to happen and means your family don't have to make a difficult decision when they are grieving. 

"The shortage of donors means on average three people die a day in need of a transplant so I urge everyone to have the conversation today.

"If you needed a life saving transplant you would accept an organ donation so why wouldn't you want to become an organ donor?"